Large Marge demonstrates disaster relief at The Solar Living Center

HOPLAND, CA -- On Thursday, Aug. 1st "Large Marge" as she is affectionately known, visited the Solar Living Center in Hopland.

Marge is a biodiesel and waste vegetable oil fueled bus, equipped to help deal with some of the most pressing problems that occur in disaster relief situations.

The bus has already been called out to help with Hurricane Sandy and is currently on tour raising awareness of the need for these vehicles.

Veterans Green Bus spokesperson Gordon Soderberg commented, "With fuel costs at a premium, $4 per gallon average nationwide, getting volunteers to and from disaster zones hinders effective volunteer disaster response capabilities. What makes this problem worse during disasters is the fact that access to traditional forms of fuel are rationed where they are needed most. The Veterans Green Bus Project attacks these issues head on with a strategic plan to increase access and reduce the costs of fuel for transportation and emergency power."

"We are very happy to be hosting the Veterans Green Bus here at the Solar Living Center, we fully endorse their mission to reduce the cost of responding to natural disasters by demonstrating sustainable solutions including bio diesel and solar" said Hannah Bird, Project Manager with the Solar Living Institute.

The Solar Living Center, a 12-acre solar demonstration site, based in Hopland, CA, houses both the not for profit Solar Living Institute, whose aim is to promote sustainability through inspirational environmental education and RealGoods, one of the world's largest straw bale showrooms offering all you could need to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Currently the Veterans bus is in need of 8 new tires, any donations would be very gratefully received contact Gordon Soderberg on (985) 640-1801 for more information.

On Friday, August 2nd the bus also visited veterans in Ukiah at the VA clinic.